Wednesday, February 15, 2012

at last...

When the doors opened up at the sale this morning there were three floors to choose from. Eight five years of life, decades of service in the government, thousands of stitches in needlepoint. Five bedrooms full of memories. Here are just a few of what I walked away with.

I stood in each room pausing to think of the family that lived here.

Finding respect for the place and the people who collected and saved.

While so many among me grasped and climbed through the rooms like it was a rummage sale.

American flags hung prominently in so many rooms from years of service.

With all of the belongings it was apparent no family members remained to lay claim.

Closets full of linens hung pressed and ready for parties.

Pantries lined with every serving dish imaginable.

Propped on the big soaking tub was a swim cap only a bathing beauty would wear.

Stationary poured out of the enormous kitchen drawers.

Ever prepared...gummed Dennison was in heavy supply.

Boxes kept in order of supply.

Decorations for every occasion just in case she should need it.

...and then I ventured up stairs where our hostess crafted...

This was a house full of life and laughter.

Tutus and and recitals similar to my very own.

Every book, yarn and tool accounted for all these years snatched up in mere moments going separate ways.

Yet, my heart leapt with excitement knowing I had been a small part of these years.

Even if only for a mere moment.

Because this moment might have just been one I will never forget.

Thank you Marilyn for keeping these apron patterns in the closet just for me to find...I knew I would...someday.

Renee,What a sweet sweet post to a woman that obviously loved many of the things you do too! I am glad you were respectful as you went through her home.....Enjoy all of those wonderful patterns! And I love all of the gummed labels! This post made me realize how terrible it must be for families as people rush in and plow through their loved ones belongings....even though in this case there was no one to be upset. I am sure many times they is...I will have good behavior if I am ever lucky enough to go to an estate sale....:) SandyPS, Has anyone else noticed how hard the words are to type in now for leaving a post???? I hate these ones that are fuzzy!

Oh, this post nearly brought tears to my eyes. That is EXACTLY how I feel when I find the artifacts of a creative life. I have to rescue them and value them in the same way the former owner did. Bravo to you for the great scores and for "getting" what she knew was the good stuff. I think she is looking down and smiling!

Oh goodness another post i have just shed a tear over and its not even 8am yet. What a lovely lady she sounds and what a beautiful array of things she loved and collected. Beautiful linens and those vintage tags etc are wonderful. Im so pleased they all went to someone that loves and appreciates vintage items she would have been so pleased to. Enjoy them all. dee x

Wow, just wow! Even though she was organized and prepared, part of me wants to NOT be her. I want to use it up on people I love instead of leaving it for people I do not even know. Thanks for sharing your lovelies and for the reminder.